By Abdul-Kadir Abdullah
The President of the Esan Akhugbe Otiti socio-cultural group, Mr. Iyere Sunday, has described the recent protest and subsequent burning of shops in Ekpoma as a serious warning sign that should prompt deep reflection among the people of Esan land.
Speaking to SPARKNEWSLINE9JA from Irrua, Esan Central Local Government Area, Iyere said the destruction of shops in Ekpoma, which occurred two nights after the protest, should serve as an eye-opener to the dangers of allowing division and violence to creep into the area.
According to him, the sequence of events, a protest that degenerated into vandalism, followed days later by the burning of shops, raises critical questions that Esan people must not ignore.
“We need to think deeply. A protest with vandalism, and then after two days, shops are burnt. This should be an eye-opener for all of us,” Iyere said.
He warned that those attempting to set Esan people against one another must not be allowed to succeed, stressing that violence and destruction do not reflect the values of the Esan nation.
“Those who want to set us against ourselves must not be allowed. I am worried that we are not thinking enough about what is happening around us,” he added.
Iyere reiterated that the recent incidents should not be interpreted as the collective position of Esan sons and daughters, noting that the people have a history of unity, dialogue and appreciation for genuine leadership.
He recalled that Governor Monday Okpebholo’s long-standing efforts in Esan land, particularly in security and development even before assuming public office, earned him the trust of the people and led to the decision to call on him to represent the area in the Senate.
He also referenced Okpebholo’s 2022 donation of five Siena vehicles to the Atanakpa Local Security Network, an effort acknowledged by the administration of former Governor Godwin Obaseki, as evidence of sustained commitment to Esan land.
Calling for restraint and dialogue, Iyere appealed to Esan leaders, youths and stakeholders to return to constructive engagement.
“I am calling on all well-meaning Esan people to come back to the drawing table. We must talk, reflect and protect our land from actions that will only bring destruction,” he said.
He urged residents to support lawful efforts to maintain peace and security, stressing that unity and collective responsibility remain the strongest tools for safeguarding Esan land and Edo State at large.
